Friday, 31 May 2013

THE MUSIC MIX: Toots Hibbert files lawsuit against former manager + Wayne Marshall poised to make waves with latest hit

CASE IN POINT: Band leader Toots Hibbert is reportedly suing a former manager for US$1.25 million. According to TMZ, Hibberts (now 70) claims in a new lawsuit that in 1994 he hired Marc-Antoine Chetata to manage the business and music affairs of his band, Toots & the Maytals. Hibberts further reveals that Chetata took advantage of his limited education and lack of business savvy in persuading him to sign an agreement that gave the manager 50 percent song ownership. Since the early sixties, the Grammy-winning band has recorded over 30 albums. Now Hibberts is seeking financial compensation and full ownership of his songs. Earlier this month, the reggae legend was injured when a 19-year-old patron threw a bottle and hit him during a concert performance in Richmond, Virginia. He was later treated at hospital and released, and decided to cancel the remainder of his US tour.

GO WITH THE FLOW: The countdown is on to the highly anticipated summer release of Wayne Marshall's Ghetto Youths' debut, Tru Colours, which is being executive-produced by Damian Marley. Ahead of the album's arrival, Marshall has dropped "I Know," a brash, radio-ready single that talks fast and hits hard with its references to everything from girls to ganja to gangster posturing. As he spews rhymes over a languid one-drop beat, the singjay exudes the sort of rootsy, conscious appeal that continues to distinguish and define the gritty, new-generation Marley sound. And this shouldn't come as a surprise. Given his integral place in the new-look Tuff Gong camp, Marshall has found himself in legendary company. Meantime, take a listen to the song HERE.